NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL, MUSIC ROOM
June 2, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT: Sally Macmillan, Robin Baker, Lea McGiboney, Karen Peterson-Knaup

MEMBERS ABSENT: Carl Donovan

NEIGHBORS: Bill and Carol Stoller, Lee Anne Gills, Emma White, Richard Zeller

GUESTS: Patty Cadwell

OLD BUSINESS

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: There were corrections to the minutes. Sally motioned to approve the minutes. Karen seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Other: Richard Zeller discussed the street situation. Robin stated Andrew Finch was here and they talked about the SIDs. Robin is talking to the City Engineer about the path and the condition of the roads. Since there is not going to be a South Arterial, perhaps the excess funds could be used to improve the roads. Patty brought up that some of the roads are still County and we have no control over them.

Bill Stoller believes “$38 /running foot is very expensive. He also said he did not get any notice of the meeting with the City engineers. Sally stated it was in the paper. Patty stated a person had gone around with a petition. Robin gave him a copy of the proposal.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Verde Park Commission: Karen had a meeting with Marty Basta, Giles Saylor and John of the Park and Recreation Dept. regarding the enhancements to Verde Park. There are few funding options and the neighbors will have to come up with matching funds. Suggest “we” concentrate on an improvement at a time instead of the whole, such as a walking path or improving the playground equipment. It was discussed that we have one of the council meetings at the park to try and generate neighborhood interest.

Police Advisory Board: Sally presented that they met May 20th and the main topic was the medical marijuana issue. The animal shelter is looking for more employees. A new 911 system will be coming by the end of June. They will be hiring two more officers in September. The next meeting will be the third Thursday in September. Patty Cadwell suggested the Council provide advice to Sally before the next meeting. Patty discussed parking on streets and site distance problems.

NEW BUSINESS

Robert DeLuca: Sally stated the home at 1506 16th Street South has a new roof, some painting, and the grass has been mown. Heather is visually monitoring it.

There are a few homes in our area that are for sale and the grass is high. It was suggested we adopt Council 5’s idea of a “weed roundup.”

Neighborhood Concerns

None.

OTHER BUSINESS

It was discussed that the July meeting not be held. Another suggestion was to hold a joint meeting with NC5.

The next NC # 6 meeting will be held Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Robin Baker called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Sally motioned and Karen seconded. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lea McGiboney, Secretary

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL, MUSIC ROOM
May 5, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Donovan, Sally Macmillan, Robin Baker, Lea McGiboney

MEMBERS ABSENT: Karen Peterson-Knaup

NEIGHBORS: Emma White, Nick Bourdeau, Vickie Bourdeau, Anita Heppner, , Paul Heppner, Richard Zeller, David Lee, Gelnn Tremper, Tom Matsko, JoAnn Matsko, Peggy Tremper, D.J. McKay, Betty Ammondson, Curt Ammondson, Lee Anne Gills, Mike Whiteford, SA Taylor, WJ Taylor, Robert Dull, Stanlee Dull, Deb Ammonds, Marge Anderson, Arvi Kangas, Faye Kangas, Paul Heppner, Anita Heppner, Ed Austin, Kay Silk, Jim Peressini, Gary Blatter, Henry Nemec, Arleen Heintzelman, Gene Betz, Bonnie Ganster, Craig Ganster, Sherri Smith, Jack Smith, Cliff Reichelt, Elizabeth Reichelt, Cheryl Reichert, Charles Bocock, Jerry Dolson, Don McGiboney

GUESTS: Ron Gesseman, Kathy Gesseman, Donna Kramer, Kyle Blunn, Jordan Vanson, Jack Hoffman, Lee Perkins, Russ Sorenson, Daryl Jassen, Kathy Jassen, Lettie Bourdeau, Fred Bourdeau, Judy Baker, Sandra DiMauro, Marian Stratton, David Stratton, Michael Clark, Stuart Lewin, Michael Witsoe, Bill Taylor, Sue Taylor

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Robin Baker at 7:03 pm.

OLD BUSINESS

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: There were corrections to the minutes. Carl motioned to approve as corrected. Sally seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Other: None.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Verde Park Commission: Marge Anderson met with Karen Knaup-Peterson. They are trying to resurrect the commission. The playground is still an issue. May 10th there is a meeting with the Park and Recreation Dept. at the P&R building.

Police Advisory Board: None.

NEW BUSINESS

Proposed SID for the Sunnyside area: Presenting from the City County Planning Board were: Jim Reardon, Andrew Finch, Dave Dobbs, Mike Kynett, Jerry McKinley. Project will upgrade the gravel roads to city standards: 35 foot wide from back of curb to back of curb, boulevard style, sidewalks, handicap ramps, gutters and storm drains. Grants may be available for low to moderate income property owners. Boundary could be adjusted based on interest from property owners. SIDs take time so it probably won’t start until next year. They will be mailing out questionnaires to residents to determine their interest. Mr. Blatter supported determining property owner interest by allowing them to vote. Ed Austin showed concern regarding 17th Street South turning into a race track. Richard Zeller had questions regarding 16th Avenue South. Jerry McKinley and Andrew Finch addressed traffic concerns. Sally Macmillan raised concern about the water pressure in the area. Jim Reardon discussed the water pressure issue.

Robin suggested a committee on traffic. She went to a Neighborhood Council meeting regarding Neighborworks projects. Stated development is happening without much thought on impact to traffic.

Don McGiboney asked about the Pearson Addition road upgrades. Mr. Finch stated the Upper River Road is to be annexed in next year. There will be an SID to improve it.

Neighborhood Concerns

Chicken ordinance: A lively debate ensued over the ordinance. Charles Bocock presented positive aspects of owning chickens and petitioned the council to write another letter to support chickens. Daryl Jassen had questions about the law. Betty Amunson, neighbor of Bocock stated her concerns. Mike Clark states he has 9 hens and the neighbors love them. Russ Sorenson raised chickens as a kid and they’re noisy and messy. Stated this drives down property values. Bob Dull said that even though the ordinance could be changed the area covenants still exist. Nick Bourdeau stated the neighbors and city weren’t made aware of the chickens. He presented negative aspects of owning chickens and stated there are no guarantees that there won’t be problems. David Stratton suggested allowing people to have their chickens and if there’s a problem address the problem. Stewart Lewin stated he would like to have chickens. Dr. Craig Ganster stated that there are health issues with chicken. Ron Gesseman stated that MT is an ag area and we need to uphold MT values. Sherri Smith said if you live in the city you have to abide by its laws. Glenn Tremper lives by Mr. Bockcock and doesn’t hear chickens. Elizabeth Reichelt, neighbor of Mr. Bocock is in favor of chickens. Lea McGiboney posed a potential problem with allowing chickens as this may open the door for other fowl, such as ducks that she wants for her pond. She questioned whether the neighborhood covenants would supersede the city ordinance.

Robin finally called for a vote of the neighbors only by raising hands. 12 were in favor of allowing chickens and 22 were against. Robin stated we will support the ordinance as it is but also said we do not have the final say. She suggested going to the council and voicing your opinion on the issue there on June 2nd.

School Bus Zone: Jerry hasn’t heard anything .

Sally presented four matters: 1) wind turbine at the T&I building at the Vo-Tech Center is being powered. 2) Medical marijuana zoning issue: the city is reviewing and will decide. 3) trailer park at 9th Street South is being closed by May 10th. 4) 1506 16th Street South problem house is being handled by Heather Rolf.

OTHER BUSINESS

Stuart Lewin stated concern about the industrial area going in behind the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Increased large truck traffic and the noise and smell from the proposed facilities going in there make it a terrible location and he requested we oppose the proposal.

The next NC # 6 meeting will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Robin Baker called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Carl motioned and Sally seconded. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lea McGiboney, Secretary

Neighborhood Council 6 Meeting Minutes
Sunnyside Music Room
April 7, 2010

Members present: Robin Baker, Carl Donovan, Sally Macmillan, Karen Peterson Knaup

Members absent: Lea McGiboney

Neighbors: Kay Silk, Lee Anne Gills, Richard Zeller, Robert DeLuca, Ed Austin, Paul Heppner,
Anita Heppner, Shannon D., Nick Bourdeau, Nancy Hampton

Guests: George Littlefield, Robert Smith, Al Henry, Ciara Kessler, Sheila Kelly, Cheryl Crawley, Glen Stinar

Robin called the meeting to order. Last month’s minutes approved by a motion by Carl; seconded by Sally.

OLD BUSINESS:

Verde Park: Karen will meet with Park and Recreation Board at their May 10 meeting with constituents’ suggestions for enhancements to Verde Park.

Police Advisory Board: Sally noted the poor attendance at the previous meeting. Medical marijuana concerns dominated the discussion, as well as fears about children being approached by suspicious persons near school grounds. Chief Grove announced his retirement. Lengthy parking of recreational vehicles on city streets, etc ., is being addressed.

Council of Councils Meeting: Carl was unable to attend as planned to represent #6 due to illness.

NEW BUSINESS:

NeighborWorks Proposed Development on 17th Street and 21st Ave. South: Al Henry and Robert Smith outlined the proposed construction of housing accessible to lower-income families. The project consisting of multi-family (duplex) units has been approved by the Planning Board. Neighbors expressed concerns about additional traffic as well as a potential burden on the water pressure. Karen motioned to abstain from Council 6 endorsement until additional input was obtained from affected homeowners. Carl seconded the motion.

Robin will attend the April 20, 2010 Police Advisory Board meeting.

Glen Stinar, candidate for Cascade County Sheriff, presented his platform. Foremost on his agenda, if elected, is to “place more deputies on the street.”

Great Falls Public Schools Mill Levy: Cheryl Crawley, Superintendant of Schools, and Sheila Kelly, representing KEY (Kids Education Yes), encouraged a positive vote on the upcoming mill levy to fund GFPS. A failure to do so would result in teachers’ cuts to the budget and possible use of PPL funds allocated by that Corporation.

Lee Ann Gills, House District 20 candidate, introduced herself and her platform of education, jobs, and hunter access.

NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS

Robert DeLuca desires action will be taken against the degraded and neglected condition of the residence across the street from his home. Sally pointed out privacy issues which prevent the City to enter the premises; however, according to her contact at the City (Heather), the owner, Keith Nicholls, has promised to improve the property within 30 days.

Jerry Dolson has contacted Mr. Horton of GFPS regarding school bus safety issues. Jerry was told that curb painting was not an option, but a stenciled “bus loading zone” may be a possibility.

Robin Baker encouraged attendance at the International Relations Board meeting on April 27, 2010, to be held at the Missouri Room of the Civic Center. Mark Johnson will give a talk.

Nancy Hampton, neighbor, solicited support for the Community Police Association and the upcoming Policeman’s Ball at the Country Club.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Peterson Knaup
Acting Secretary

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL, MUSIC ROOM
March 3, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Donovan, Sally Macmillan, Robin Baker, Lea McGiboney, Karen Peterson-Knaup

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

NEIGHBORS: Emma White, Nick Bourdeau, Anita Heppner, Rob Zeller, Robert DeLucas

GUESTS: Donna Zook, George Littlefield, Sheriff Castle, Julie Knight, Gary Peppenger

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Robin Baker at 7:01 pm.

OLD BUSINESS

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Sally advised that there were corrections to the minutes. Carl motioned to approve as corrected. Sallyl seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Other: Carl gave a report on the M&H Trailer Court situation and stated it is pretty bleak.

Lea spoke to George Littlefield about the school drop off and pick up issue and they’ll “stomp the grounds” next week to decide on alternate sites for the parents to use. George Littlefield stated he will contact the school Principal to ask her to accompany.

Carl has spoken with the city regarding the inadequate light problem on the Upper River Road and new bridge intersection. They stated they had a light and it would be installed.

Nick Bourdeau stated he has been to all of the neighborhood councils in Great Falls and only two have been in favor of amending the poultry and livestock ordinance for the city. There are six in favor of leaving it as it stands. He requested our support of the ordinance. Sally moved to support the ordinance as it stands and Carl seconded the motion. The motion carried.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Verde Park Commission: No news to report. Next meeting is in April.

Police Advisory Board: Next meeting is March 18th.

NEW BUSINESS

Medical marijuana issue was discussed. Sally brought newspaper articles from the different cities and read how they are proposing to address the issue.

Carl brought forth that Bozeman is bringing an ordinance that there may not be any use within 1,000 feet of schools, MSU and daycares. Carl informed those present there is a Council of Council’s meeting on the 17th to discuss where the caregivers can grow the plants, where they can distribute from and zoning. Montana has no specific list of patients and their condition(s).

Donna Zook is concerned it is too readily accessible. It was intended for chronic diseases only and has been abused. She wants to protect the integrity of the law and realizes that the statute is contradictory.

A concern was brought up about a doctor that comes to Montana and gives out green cards (medical marijuana patient) without discretion.

Julie Knight (caregiver) was present and answered questions. She stated there should be three concerns: (1) Home businesses; (2) Dispensary; (3) Growing. She agrees that the number of patients for a home business should be controlled. She has 80 patients and most are professionals that would like to be discreet. She added most caregivers do not dispense from the same location they grow from. She agreed there should be security systems in place and that the certificate to grow should be confidential.

Nick Bourdeau brought up that most businesses are opposed because of the potential problems it will cause on the streets.

Julie stated most caregivers primary concern is for their patients. She’s not opposed to a ban on taking the medications on the street, near churches, schools or federal property. She would like to see lax zoning on growing but not in residential areas. She then discussed the components of marijuana and stated that the patient decides the dosage and said it’s virtually impossible to over dose on THC. She’s not opposed to age limits for patients being set.

Lea asked if she (Julie) had set hours of operation and Julie replied that her hours are by appointment only but would like normal business hours such as Monday through Friday, 8-5. Lea then asked if she sold drug paraphernalia. Julie was, at first, opposed to it but some of her patients have never “used” before so they had to be taught.

Robin addressed that during the Nixon administration, marijuana was made a Schedule I drug. All studies regarding marijuana have been done on the illegal market. She then asked Julie if there was any control on her product and Julie stated she buys her seeds on-line and there is no control of her product.

Sally asked how much she charged and Julie replied $250 per ounce.

Robin asked how much a plant produces and Julie said it varies but it’s around 2 ounces.

Concerns were that there is not a way to regulate production and that grow sites will eventually be discovered.

Lea said the state law does not allow driving while under the influence and asked how that is enforced. Sheriff Castle replied that criteria have not been established for impairment so they don’t enforce the ordinance. Julie added that she tells her patients not to operate vehicles while they are using but added that there are going to be criminals. Lea asked if a patient can grow their own and have a caregiver grow also and Julie said they could.

Currently there is only the requirement to get a Safety Inspection to operate a business in the city. Julie agreed that the concurrence of the neighbors would need to be obtained to dispense from a residence.

Nick stated this was a target for crime and he would like to see the number of large growers limited and to inform law enforcement of where they are. Julie agreed and replied that the average caregiver has four patients and only six caregivers in Great Falls have 50+ patients.

Colorado has denied the moratorium and has referred the matter to legislation.

Sheriff Castle discussed the matter of the jail, detention center and balancing the budget. Many ways have been presented to the County but none have come to light. We end up accepting criminals from other counties and states. With that, come their families. Nick Bourdeau agreed, stating that Great Falls is importing criminals. Sheriff Castle replied that it costs $112,000 per offense and we are getting a poor return on our investment. Out of every 10 convicts in Probation and Parole, 7 will reoffend. Out of every 10 in Pre-Release, 5 will reoffend. He would like to see us educate, not incarcerate. He proposed to the County Commissioners to move the Juvenile Detention Center up to the jail and sell the JDC to Benefis as a means to balance the budget.

Neighborhood Concerns

Animal Shelter: A question was posed to Carl regarding the Animal Shelter budget. When Cascade County Humane Society ran it, it was $315,000/year now that the City has it, it’s $500,000/year. Carl replied that the City doesn’t want to partner with the Animal Foundation but may turn it over to CCHS or the Animal Foundation. The shelter is deteriorating. The Animal Foundation is building their own facility.

OTHER BUSINESS

Robin asked what we would like to bring to the Council of Councils meeting and a list of items was given to Carl: (1) there needs to be legislation regarding who is getting medical marijuana (green) cards. (2) there should be regular inspections of the growing and distribution centers. (3) distribution should not happen near schools, daycares, churches or federal property.

The next NC # 6 meeting will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Robin Baker called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Carl motioned and Sally seconded. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lea McGiboney, Secretary

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL, MUSIC ROOM
FEBRUARY 3, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Donovan, Sally Macmillan, Robin Baker, Lea McGiboney

MEMBERS ABSENT: Karen Peterson-Knaup

NEIGHBORS: Emma White, Kay Silk, Nick Bourdeau, Kathy Courtney

GUESTS: Donna Zook, Mike Dalton, Patty Cadwell, Kristal Kuhn

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Robin Baker at 7:02 pm.

OLD BUSINESS

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Sally advised that there were corrections to the minutes. Carl motioned to approve as corrected. Sallyl seconded the motion. The motion carried.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Police Advisory Board: was held 1/21/10. 5 councils were represented.

Sally reported on the NC # 2 viaduct issue – they’re against removing any park land for other purposes.

Chief Grove, YEP (Youth Evaluation Program) informed the Board that the current facility never had major problems and they are watched very closely. The youths are released to their own homes.

Joe Littlefield spoke to NC # 8 regarding school pick up issue.

NC # 7 stated they wanted the downtown police officer back. They were informed that the officer sets his own hours as well as the Parkdale officers. The PD has lost Officer Klundt. 2 officers are being recruited, 4 officers are at the police academy. So far, there is a hiring freeze.

The Medical Marijuana issue has a moratorium. There is concern regarding abuse.

Chicken issue in the city: Carl talked to the zoning department and was informed Fleet and other suppliers of chickens may sell them and other fowl in the City limits because they aren’t purchased to be raised in the city.

Verde Park Commission: Karen had volunteered to be on this committee after the January meeting had adjourned.

Action Committee: Patty Cadwell informed all present that the next meeting has not been set.

NEW BUSINESS

Kristal Kuhn, Emergency Management Planner for the County, discussed venues for the city to assist the community during emergency situations. The sirens have been removed. There is the Emergency Alert System on TV or radio. Reverse 911 is not available in the County. They have the capability but it is expensive. She found that NIXLE sends emergency alerts to cell phones and it is a free service. The County will be using this service in addition to other means to alert the community. You must register to be on the system and the alerts will come to you by e-mail or text. Butte is currently using the system.

Mike Dalton, Sunburst Unltd., discussed a compost program he is trying to get the City involved in. The EPA has ordered the City this year to mediate waste dump offages (methane gases, etc.). He presented his “Gardens from Garbage” compost system to the Council. It is a cold composting process. The bins consist of 4 pallets lined with black plastic and chicken wire to keep the animals out. He has gotten some schools involved in composting. Robin suggested that NC # 6 host a project. For more information, contact him at 406-868-2359 or by e-mail at sunburstunlimited@gmail.com.

Donna Zook introduced herself to the Council. She is running for HD 20 State Representative.

Kathy Courtney presented her situation to the Council. She lives in a mobile home at M&H Trailer Court, 1346 9th Street South. Harold Poulsen and his son, Mark, own Happy Creek which is the real estate holding company for the trailer park. Happy Creek gave the nine tenants of the park eviction notices on January 14th. They have six months to move. They state the reason for the park closing is “real estate speculation.” Her concern is that the tenants’ trailers are so old they are not allowed in most trailer parks in the City and most cannot afford the lot rents of other parks. One of the tenants is extremely elderly and disabled. The process is creating homelessness. Donna Zook suggested Kathy contact the City/County Attorney to see if he can offer any assistance. Kathy stated Sheila Rice of NeighborWorks, is trying to help. Robin asked if Mr. Poulsen would be agreeable to extending the deadline until a plan can be implemented.

Neighborhood Concerns

Carl has had two calls about the new bridge at Upper River Road. There is inadequate lighting and it is a hazard to those that use it. Patty suggested he contact Jerry McKinley, Public Works, and ask when adequate lighting would be installed.

Sally informed us that Jerry Dolson is stil pursuing the concern over the drop off zone for the children at the school. The principal has been unresponsive to his requests. Perhaps a school safety committee could be formed as this is also a concern for eight schools.

OTHER BUSINESS

Council of Councils meeting will be March 17, 2010 at the Civic Center Gibson Room at 7:00 pm. Carl will attend.

The next NC # 6 meeting will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Robin Baker called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Sally motioned and Carl seconded. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lea McGiboney, Secretary

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL, MUSIC ROOM
JANUARY 6, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT: Carl Donovan, Sally MacMillan, Robin Baker, Lea McGiboney, Karen Peterson-Knaup

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

NEIGHBORS: Jerry Polson, Josh Racki, Tena Racki, Maegan Roberts, Charles Bocock, Roger Norgaard, Audrey Finlayson, Jack Smith, Sherie Smith, Don McGiboney, Nick Bourdeau, Vickie Bourdeau,

GUESTS: Mary Thibaudeau, Kay Silk, Mariah Swanson, Kristina McCord, Katie Ulmer, Amanda Fritz, Hunter Carlyon, Ron Gessaman, Kathy Gessaman, Donna Kramer, Neil Taylor, Jeremy Reeve, Jeff Blair, Tanner Thires, Shawn Jackson, Jason Kellogg, Sierra Barnes, Dani Kimball, Kayla McKenzie, Eric Sayre, Morgan Hodge, Laramie Herford, Charlie Martrram, Katie Gunderson, Leren Robinson, M. Fought, Austin Heavy Runner, Kevin O’Conner, Brittany Kumm, Kyle Edwards, Dylan Martin, Thomas Wilson Haugeberg, Sam Binitz

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Carl Donovan at 7:02 pm.

OLD BUSINESS

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Carl called for nominations for chair. Robin Baker was nominated and was unanimously voted in. She then called the remaining election.

Carl Donovan was nominated for Vice-Chair and was unanimously voted in.

Karen Peterson-Knaup and Lea McGiboney were nominated for Secretary. Karen received two votes and Lea received three votes. Lea McGiboney is the Secretary for the 2010 year.

REVIEW OF BYLAWS: #8. Clarification of the removal of officers was discussed. Our bylaws do not state that the member is removed from the council but just from the office. This is allowable verbiage.
Sally moved to adopt the Bylaws with the change of the date to January 6, 2010, Lea seconded the motion. The motion carried.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Sally motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Carl seconded the motion. The motion carried.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

No community reports were presented. Sally informed all present that the next Police Advisory Committee would be held January 21, 2010.

NEW BUSINESS

Nick Bourdeau presented a concern regarding chicken farmers that want to change the city ordinance so they may raise chickens in their backyards. The ordinance would affect the entire city, not just certain areas. He is opposed to the proposal and states it will cost considerable money to have the ordinance changed. He has discussed this with Patty Cadwell who informed him to go through the process as the city officials will come to us (the Neighborhood Council) first. He has petitioned for letters of support and has a “fifteen to one against” the proposal.
Carl Donovan spoke about his conversation with Chad Parker, City Attorney General, and presented the following information: Currently, no chickens are allowed in the city limits and there is no grandfather clause; he has been advised that anyone who know of person with chickens in the city limits are to call Animal Control at 454-2276; Chickens are considered livestock under the poultry definition; and Mr. Parker did not feel the ordinance could be rewritten.
Mr. Bourdeau stated he has two standing complaints in place.
Neil Taylor asked if businesses that sell chickens in the city limits are in violation of the ordinance.
Carl said he would call Animal Control to find out.
Roger Norgaard commented that it was a “stretch” to consider ownership of 6-8 chickens a chicken ranching operation. He doesn’t oppose owning chickens in the city limits. He suggested we (the Neighborhood Council) see how Missoula, Helena, Bozeman and Kalispell have their ordinances regarding chickens.
Karen Peterson-Knaup stated there were a lot of things to consider if the ordinance was to be changed such as the number of chickens to be allowed on a property, how will they be cared for, number of roosters to be allowed, and how the owners will be held accountable. It will require input from the members.
Sally MacMillan stated it should be put before the City Commission where a public hearing will be held.

Audrey Finlayson of the RSVP introduced herself and stated that they have moved to the building at 1801 Benefis Court. They plan to construct another building on the property. At another meeting she would like to request our support to paint curbs to control the traffic as the entrance to their facility is blocked or is hazardous to enter and exit due to the on-street traffic. She offered the use of their building for our meetings

NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS:
Sally Macmillan discussed the snow removal ordinance for the city of Great Falls. It states that snow must be cleared from residential sidewalks within twenty-four hours and by 11:00 am for commercial properties.
Sally Macmillan also expressed concern of the dirt pile and cinder blocks at the Amigo Lounge which have not been removed after the construction. The debris is actually on the Pierce Flooring lot. She has spoken with Kim McCleary and Heather Rauch about the problem.
Lea McGiboney thought there was a city ordinance that construction materials had to be fenced in.
Sally was not sure. On a positive note, she stated that the area has nice sidewalks and curb cuts.

OTHER BUSINESS:
Jerry Polson discussed the problem of off-street parking near the bus stop for Sunnyside School. The children run into traffic or parents park in the bus zone.
Karen Peterson-Knaup asked if there was any federal transportation money for this problem.
Jerry replied that he had asked Dave Houts, Public Transportation, about it and received no reply. There are eight elementary schools in Great Falls that do not have proper off-street parking for loading and unloading of students.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Robin Baker called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Carl motioned and Sally seconded. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lea McGiboney, Secretary